Until Volvo->ke188 finally unveils the revised XC60 we’ll just have to deal with minor updates. The 2013 New York Auto Show brought just that to the current lineup in the form of a new XC60 R-Design that adds a renewed and sporty appearance, a dynamic driving-focused chassis and a powerful engine.

For the exterior, the new R-Design package adds a frameless Tech Matte Black grille with high-gloss black stripes, a silk metal diagonal and a refined R-Designed emblem. For the interior, the new XC60 R-Design gets new sports seats wrapped in a combination of black nubuck textile and perforated leather, and features an embroidered "R" logo.

The new R-Design models have been specially designed for "performance-minded individuals with a passion for exquisite details." Volvo also hopes that with its latest addition to the lineup will steal attention from customers currently driving other car makes today.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Volvo XC60 R-Design.

2014 Volvo XC60 R-Design

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Volvo XC60 R-Design
  • Engine/Motor: inline-6
  • Horsepower: 329
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Just like with all the other R-Design models, the new XC60 R-Design adds a unique front fascia with a redesigned nose, a Tech Matte Black grille with high-gloss black stripes, a silk metal diagonal and a refined R-Designed emblem. On the backside, the R-Design package adds a unique diffuser with aero fins that is flanked by the round, high-tech R-Design tailpipes.

Interior

On the inside, Volvo is offers new sports seats wrapped in a blend of black nubuck textile and perforated leather. Each of these luxurious seats features an embroidered “R-Design” logo.

The new XC60 R-Design includes an Adaptive Digital Display that features three layouts with different configurations and functionality - Elegance, Eco and Performance.

The entire interior receives black leather trim with contrasting stitching. There are also new stainless steel tread plates, each with a bright blue "R" in the R-Design emblem.

Drivetrain

The new R-Design model can be combined with all the engines in the current lineup, but the most powerful engine in the lineup, the 3.0-liter, six-cylinder T6 turbo, can be upgraded with an optional Polestar software that tunes the engine to 329 horsepower. With the extra 25 horsepower, the new XC60 R-Design will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds.

Suspensions and brakes

The R-Design package adds in a stiffer chassis that is features revised shock absorber springs and anti-roll bars to deliver a slightly firmer, yet still well-balanced, ride. The model also offers Corner Traction Control and DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) to help keep the SUV on the track.

The new XC60 R-Design rides on new 20-inch in a dynamic Ixion design.

Prices

Prices for the new Volvo XC60 R-Design will be announced at a later date.

Competition

Audi Q5

Much like the XC60, the Q5 has a range of engines to choose from, including th base turbocharged 2.0-liter that pumps out 211 horsepower, a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 that produces 272 horsepower and a hybrid that pairs a high-output electric motor to the 2.0liter turbo engine for a total of 245 horsepower. The top-line R-Design with the Polestar upgrade can hang with the base Q5 and the Hybrid, but it falls far behind the 3.0T and its 5.8-second 0-to-60 time.

Acura RDX

2013 Acura RDX is powered by a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine that now delivers a total of 273 horsepower, which is a lot less than the XC60. However, the RDX has the advantage of looking a little better and, despite its lower power output, its 6.5-second 0-to-60 time beats the top-line XC60 with the Polestar upgrade.

Conclusion

With the new R-Design package, the XC60 is starting to catch up to its top competitors, but it still has a little work to do. However, if the XC60 R-Design comes in at a fair price, that may put it over the top.